Mariners fire Manager Don Wakamatsu

The Seattle Mariners fired Manager Don Wakamatsu on Monday and replaced him with Daren Brown on an interim basis.

Wakamatsu was in his second season with the Mariners, who were 42-70 entering Monday’s game against Oakland and mired in last place in the American League West. He posted a record of 85-77 in 2009.

Brown had been the manager of Seattle’s triple-A affiliate in Tacoma for the last four seasons.

The Mariners also fired bench coach Ty Van Burkleo and pitching coach Rick Adair, while releasing performance coach Steve Hecht from his contract.

The Mariners were expected to contend for the AL West title after making numerous off-season roster moves. The club acquired pitcher Cliff Lee from Philadelphia in a trade but dealt the veteran left-hander to Texas in early July after falling out of contention. Infielder Chone Figgins was also signed to a big free-agent contract but has struggled since leaving the Angels.

The Mariners also put shortstop Jack Wilson on the 15-day disabled list because of a fractured fifth metacarpal in his right hand.

The veteran middle infielder suffered the injury in an accident at his home Saturday night when he fell in his bathroom and hit his hand on the floor.

To take his spot on the roster, the team selected the contract of infielder Chris Woodward from Tacoma.

Etc.

Adding a veteran presence to their outfield, the Cincinnati Reds acquired Jim Edmonds from the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for outfielder Chris Dickerson.

Edmonds, 40, has been effective this season when not hobbled by Achilles tendinitis in his right foot. He is hitting .286 with eight home runs and 20 runs batted in through 73 games.

Edmonds sat out the 2009 season before making a comeback with Milwaukee this season.

The Houston Astros optioned left-hander Wesley Wright to triple-A Round Rock (Texas) to make room for newly acquired reliever Mark Melancon.

The Astros got Melancon in the deal that sent Lance Berkman to the New York Yankees.